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For Immediate Release:
1 December 2007
Contact:
Elizabeth Anderson-Hoagland
202-821-3342
elah@gwu.edu
Save Lives Convinces DC CVS Store to Unlock the Condoms
Washington, D.C., December 1, 2007 - Save Lives: Free the Condoms Coalition (Save Lives) praises CVS for unlocking all condoms in DC after a public protest. A Nov. 17th survey of CVS stores in the District found one store at 5227 Georgia Ave, NW still locking up condoms. On the morning of World AIDS Day, December 1st, a Save Lives Coalition member found some racks of condoms locked. While demonstrating, Save Lives talked to customers, obtained community signatures for letters to CVS CEO Tom Ryan, chanted “One in twenty with HIV / CVS set the condoms free,” and handing out 1,000 free condoms. After two hours, Save Lives was thrilled to learn that all condom racks inside the store had been unlocked.
Save Lives is disturbed to hear reports of CVS stores locking condoms in other areas of the country, such as Detroit, Chicago and New York City. These reports reaffirm Save Lives’ demand that CVS adopt a written nationwide policy stating that CVS will provide customers with unassisted access to condoms. This process can be as simple as placing a brief statement on the CVS/pharmacy official web site, similar to Rite Aid. Second, the coalition demands that CVS adequately stock and maintain condom dispensers. If the condom dispenser is not fully stocked, the customers will not be able to access condoms and will still require assistance from a cashier. Finally, the coalition demands that CVS ensure all click boxes and racks are in working condition. Media contact Elizabeth Anderson-Hoagland, reported needing assistance from a pharmacist to purchase condoms at the CVS store on Columbia Rd.
Condoms are a proven method of preventing unintended pregnancies, STDs and HIV/AIDS transmission. Access to condoms remains a challenge for segments of society, however, which can discourage use and, thereby, contribute to increase rates of sexually transmitted diseases. Reports out this week confirm that DC has the highest rate of HIV infection in the country.
Save Lives: Free the Condoms Coalition is a non-profit grass roots organization under the auspices of the Student Public Health Association at the George Washington University School of Public Health and Health Services. The Coalition fights to improve condom access for everyone. For more information on Save Lives, please visit us at http://studentorgs.gwu.edu/phsa/savelives/
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